windward

1 of 2

noun

wind·​ward ˈwin(d)-wərd How to pronounce windward (audio)
: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing

windward

2 of 2

adjective

: being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing compare leeward
Phrases
to windward
: into or in an advantageous position

Examples of windward in a Sentence

Adjective The windward side of the mountain was rocky and treeless.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The heaviest rain is forecast for windward and mauka locations. The Sunset Ai Lab, Sunset Magazine, 10 May 2024 For plants, such walls are edges that separate patches of ground into zones that are sunny or shady, windward or leeward, uphill or downhill, wetter or drier. Robert M. Thorson, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2023
Adjective
Coconut rhinoceros beetles were detected for the first time on islands statewide in subsequent months, while little fire ants caused serious concern on Oahu's windward coast. CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024 For example, high-elevation terrain often forces storm systems to drop more rain on the mountains’ windward side but scientists aren’t sure whether that phenomenon might play a role in cases like Helene’s Appalachian deluge. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for windward 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1549, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of windward was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near windward

Cite this Entry

“Windward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/windward. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

windward

1 of 2 adjective
wind·​ward ˈwin-(d)wərd How to pronounce windward (audio)
: moving or placed toward the direction from which the wind is blowing

windward

2 of 2 noun
: the side or direction from which the wind is blowing
sail to windward

More from Merriam-Webster on windward

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!